Nestled on a picturesque hilltop in Saint Jean Cap Ferrat, Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild is a beautiful masterpiece of architecture and one of my favorite places in all of the French Riviera.
Built in the early 1900s by Baroness Beatrice Ephrussi de Rothschild, the villa is a breathtaking combination of Renaissance and Baroque styles.
Every room in the villa is adorned with ornate furnishings, exquisite works of art, and intricate details, transporting visitors back in time to the lavish lifestyle of the Rothschild family.
Outside, the stunning gardens (there are nine of them!) overlook the Mediterranean Sea, inviting guests to admire the blooming flowers, fountains, and sculptures.
In this guide, you will find all the information you need to know before visiting this stunning place.
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Who was Béatrice Ephrussi de Rothschild?
Béatrice Ephrussi de Rothschild (1864–1934) was a Parisian socialite and member of the wealthy Rothschild banking dynasty. Daughter of the banker and patron of the arts Baron Édouard de Rothschild, she was born into one of Europe’s wealthiest Jewish families.
Béatrice was a vibrant figure in Paris’ high society circles in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Her interests included art, literature, music, and theater, as well as horticulture and architecture.
She is best known for her lavish lifestyle, which included building Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild—a luxurious estate on the French Riviera.
Béatrice divided her time between her Paris home and her seaside villa, where she entertained an elite circle of friends that included prominent writers, artists, and members of European royalty.
As a passionate art collector, she filled Villa Ephrussi with Impressionist paintings and ceramics from around the world.
Today, visitors can tour the villa to experience its stunning architecture and gardens as well as see the works of art that Béatrice so carefully chose.
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History of the Villa
Béatrice purchased the property that would become Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild on the tip of Cap Ferrat in 1906.
She commissioned French architect Aaron Messiah to transform the land into a luxurious estate, which she named after her family. Construction began in 1907 and was completed in 1912.
The villa is designed in the style of a French palace, with lavish gardens, an expansive terrace, and nine distinct gardens. The architecture and art reflect Béatrice’s international tastes.
Inside the home, visitors can see her collection of Impressionist paintings by artists like Monet and Renoir; outside, they can stroll through various beautiful themed gardens.
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How to get to Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild
Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild is located in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, a commune on the French Riviera.
The most convenient way to get to the villa is by car—it’s about a 15-minute drive from Nice. Alternatively, visitors can take public transportation: bus line 15 stops within walking distance of the estate.
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Visiting Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild
The grounds of Villa Ephrussi are open for guided tours throughout the year. Visitors should plan to spend at least two hours exploring the gardens, terrace, and interior rooms of the home.
A visit to Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild is an opportunity to learn more about one of the most influential members of the Rothschild family and her life on the French Riviera.
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Ticket Prices
These are the ticket prices shown on the villa’s official website:
Full rate: €16
Senior rate: €15 € (+65 years old)
Reduced rate: €13 (students, Education Pass holders, and unemployed)
Youth rate: €11 (7-25 years old)
Family rate: €45 (for 2 adults and 2 children aged 7-25 years old)
Free for ICOM/ICOMOS/SNELAC card-holders, journalists, disabled visitors, and accompanying person
Opening Hours
The Villa is open 365 days a year from 10 am to 6 pm, except for:
July and August: from 10 am to 7 pm
From November to January: from 10 am to 6 pm on weekends and from 2 pm to 6 pm on weekdays
Things to do at Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild
1- Explore the nine different gardens
You read that right: there are nine distinct gardens on the grounds of Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild.
Each one is themed to represent a different place, from Florence in Italy, Spain, Japan, and Provence in France.
2- Admire the art collection
While you’re walking through the villa, be sure to stop and admire some of Béatrice’s artwork. She collected Impressionist paintings from the likes of Monet and Renoir.
3- Attend a special event
Throughout the year, Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild hosts special events like concerts and art exhibitions. Also, during summer, they host beautiful candlelit parties on the gardens.
Check out their website for the most up-to-date information about what’s happening at the villa.
4- Take a free audio tour
The villa offers a free audio tour that will take you through the house and gardens. It’s a great way to explore every nook and cranny of this gorgeous estate.
You can get headphones on the information desk to your left right after you enter the villa.
5- Have a coffee (or lunch!) at the beautiful tea house
The tea house at Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild is a great place to take a break and enjoy some refreshments. They offer coffee, tea, pastries, sandwiches, and other light bites. It’s the perfect spot for a quick snack or lunch!
You can see the menu here.
6- See Beatrice’s porcelain collection
Beatrice was an avid collector of porcelain and displayed many of her pieces in the salons at the villa. While you’re visiting, be sure to check out the collection.
Weddings at Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild
If getting married on the French Riviera is a dream of yours, then you should know the grounds of Villa Ephrussi are also available to rent for private events, including weddings for up to 240 people.
What to do after visiting the Villa
The estate is set on the gorgeous French Riviera, so there’s plenty to do in the surrounding area.
After visiting the villa and its beautiful gardens, you can explore Saint jean Cap Ferrat, a charming little village located just 2km away. The lovely harbor with its colorful fishing boats is the perfect spot to take some photos and enjoy the incredible views.
Another option is heading to Villefranche-sur-Mer, a popular beach town known for its great beaches and restaurants. Here you can soak up the sun or grab a bite to eat at one of the many waterfront eateries.
Conclusion: Visiting Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild
Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild is an incredible place to visit for a day or even just an afternoon. Make sure to add this beautiful estate to your South of France travel itinerary.
Oh! And if you are visiting the South of France soon, join my Facebook group for more hidden gems and travel tips. Happy travels!
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